3729. And he called the name of that place Bethel. That this signifies the quality of the state, is evident from the signification of “name” and of “calling a name,” as being the quality (n. 144, 145, 1754, 1896, 2009, 2724, 3006, 3421); and from the signification of “place,” as being state (n. 2625, 2837, 3356, 3387). The quality of the state is that which is signified by “Bethel.” In the original tongue “Bethel” means the “house of God;” and that this is good in the ultimate of order, may be seen above (n. 3720).

3421. And he called their names. That this signifies their quality, is evident from the signification of “calling names,” as being the quality (see n. 144, 145, 1754, 1896, 2009, 2724, 3006, 3237); and as “to call names” or “a name” signifies the quality, therefore “to call” without a name being mentioned, in the internal sense of the Word signifies to be of such a quality. As in Isaiah:

Hear ye this, O house of Jacob ¹ who are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah. For they call themselves of the city of holiness, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel (Isaiah 48:1-2); where “calling themselves of the city of holiness” signifies being of such a quality. And in Luke:

Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and shalt bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus; He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High (Luke 1:31-32);

“to be called the Son of the Most High” denotes being.

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